Panum Crater

Interactive Map

Overview

Panum Crater is a rhyolitic volcanic cone close to Mono Lake. Geologically, it is very young, just 600–700 years old. Despite the seemingly unpromising terrain for life, sage, wildflowers, and trees all grow in abundance. Read more on Wikipedia.

Short Run: The top is about 0.7 miles from the parking along the Panum Crater Plug Trail, however it is not necessary to go the entire way to gain an appreciation of the crater.

Family
Friendly: Interesting views and chance to see obsidian which will be surprising to kids used to sedimentary rock